NATO chief rules out sending combat troops to Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg confirms no plans for alliance troops on Ukrainian soil as Western nations weigh options to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the military alliance has no intentions of deploying combat troops into Ukraine, despite reports of certain Western nations considering sending soldiers to the war-torn country.

Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO allies have been offering extensive support to Ukraine since 2014, which was further increased following the full-scale invasion. However, he clarified, “There are no plans for NATO combat troops to be deployed on Ukrainian soil.”

As officials from over 20 countries gathered in Paris to discuss ways to bolster assistance for Ukraine, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico mentioned the consideration of potential bilateral agreements to send troops in aid of Ukraine’s defense against the Russian invasion.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala refrained from commenting directly on troop deployment but emphasized that “the Czech Republic has no intention of sending its soldiers to Ukraine.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed on Tuesday that “Poland has no plans to deploy its troops to Ukraine.”

While ruling out direct NATO military intervention, Stoltenberg stressed that the conflict is a clear case of Russian aggression against Ukraine, blatantly violating international law. He affirmed Ukraine’s right to self-defense and NATO’s support in upholding that right.

NATO currently provides Ukraine with non-lethal aid such as medical supplies, uniforms, and winter equipment. However, some member states independently supply weapons and ammunition. Any decision to deploy NATO troops would require unanimous approval from all member nations.

Source: Newsroom

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